AN ELGIN EXCLUSIVE FEATURE
Wriddhiman Saha’s journey to becoming India’s first-choice wicket-keeper is a story of passion, perseverance, and skill. Born in the small town of Siliguri in West Bengal, Saha’s dreams of becoming an F1 car racer were curtailed by financial difficulties and the lack of awareness of the sport in India. He turned his attention to cricket, and his talent behind the stumps soon became apparent.
Saha’s cricket journey started at the Under-19 and Under-22 levels, and he made his debut for Bengal in the Ranji Trophy in the 2006-07 season. His century on debut against Hyderabad caught the attention of selectors, and he was signed by the Kolkata Knight Riders for the inaugural season of the Indian Premier League (IPL).
Source: Circle of Cricket
riddhiman Saha, the talented wicketkeeper-batsman, showcases his skills while representing West Bengal in the prestigious Ranji Trophy. With his immaculate glovework and proficient batting, Saha brings his experience and expertise to the team, contributing to West Bengal’s pursuit of glory in the premier domestic cricket tournament of India.
Although he didn’t get many opportunities to play for the Knight Riders, Saha’s performances in the IPL caught the attention of selectors, and he made his international debut for India in 2010 as a specialist batsman. Saha’s dogged batting during his debut Test against South Africa impressed the selectors, and he was appointed as the permanent reserve wicket-keeper for Test matches. Despite his limited batting abilities, Saha learned to play within his boundaries and achieved success on that front.
Source: Twitter/@BCCI
Wriddhiman Saha, the exceptional wicketkeeper, showcases his skill and agility as he leaps into action to dismiss Aiden Markram with a brilliant catch. With lightning reflexes and precise technique, Saha adds another feather to his cap, demonstrating his invaluable contribution to the team’s success in the field.
Saha continued to play for Bengal in domestic cricket and even captained the team in the absence of Manoj Tiwary and Laxmi Ratan Shukla. In 2013, he was selected as a reserve wicket-keeper for India’s tour to South Africa. Saha finally got his chance to shine after MS Dhoni’s retirement from Test cricket in December 2014. Saha became the regular wicket-keeper in Tests, impressing with his quick reflexes and acrobatic wicket-keeping skills.
Saha’s athleticism behind the stumps against fast-bowlers has been praised by experts and critics. In the 2014 IPL auction, he was signed by Kings XI Punjab as a first-choice wicketkeeper-batsman. He impressed with his fantastic wicket-keeping skills and his batting, scoring 362 runs at 32.90 at a strike-rate of 145.28. He also scored the first-ever hundred in an IPL final, against the Kolkata Knight Riders (115* off 55), although his team lost.
Source: Mid day
Wriddhiman Saha, the talented cricketer known for his exceptional wicketkeeping skills, shares a beautiful family bond with his wife Romi and their adorable daughter Anvi. Off the field, Saha finds joy and support in his loving wife and the precious moments they share with their little bundle of joy, Anvi.
Saha’s personal life is also an interesting one. He married Romi aka Debarati in 2011 after a four-year courtship, and his wife runs a food joint named Puran Dhaka in Kolkata. Saha is also the first cricketer to score a century in an IPL final, a feat that he accomplished in 2014. In February 2022, Saha revealed that he had received a threatening message from a journalist, but he decided not to reveal the name of the journalist. He said that he was hurt and offended and did not want anyone to go through that kind of bullying.
Source: Facebook / @Manjula Staycation
The 100-foot-tall Lord Buddha statue in Kalimpong, West Bengal, is the country’s tallest. People travel from far distances to visit and celebrate holidays at this pilgrimage site. The statue’s radiant beauty and the park surrounding it enhance the enthusiasm of devotees, making it a must-visit destination.
Wriddhiman Saha, the Indian cricketer, has roots in the picturesque town of Kalimpong in West Bengal. He was born in nearby Siliguri and spent his childhood in the region. Saha’s father was a football and cricket player in Siliguri leagues, and the family has ties to Kalimpong. Despite his cricketing success, Saha remains connected to his hometown and the surrounding areas.
Kalimpong, a bustling bazaar town nestled in the rolling foothills of the Himalayas, has become a popular tourist destination for its temperate climate and proximity to other exciting locations in the region. The town is a captivating hill station in northeastern India, exuding an enchanting blend of natural beauty and old-world allure. With its vibrant flora and serene ambiance, it offers a secluded haven for travelers in search of tranquility. While now renowned as a popular destination, Kalimpong’s humble beginnings trace back to its past. In the following lines, we delve into the fascinating history and origin of Kalimpong, shedding light on its transformation from obscurity to becoming a cherished hill station in the northeastern region of India.